Housekeeping for computers?

[Hilary]

The only thing I'm sure about as far as maintaining my PC in tip-top condition is that I don't do enough of it. Words like 'defrag', 'scandisk' and 'backup' do not feature highly in my day-to-day dealings!

I've been fairly consistent in my lack of basic housekeeping duties with my current machine, and would like to get back on track before it starts complaining and making life difficult for me.

What tasks should I be doing regularly, and how frequently?

 

[KayleeUK]

Housekeeping????

Haven't got a clue Hilary, I hope someone can help..

Kaylee

 

[Olaf]

OK Hilary, get a screw driver. Open up the back of the computer. See all those little boards and thingies? Aren't they dusty? Now take some Pledge and spray away.

 

[Hilary]

No, I didn't rush for the screwdriver......

Looks like I'm not the only one who finds the word 'housekeeping' difficult to understand!

 

[WDWfan uk]

.......do you have an up to date virus checker on your PC Hilary? I'm certainly not good with "computer housekeeping" (LOL!) but I keep my Norton Antivirus bang up to date and it does a regular system check - you also need to create rescue disks if you have not already done so in case you are 'hit' by a virus....... isn't that so Janice ?

 

[Olaf]

Seriously Hilary, I'm not very good at cleaning out my computer either. You're supposed to do a clean up files every few days and a defrag every few weeks. Especially if you surf the web a lot. It's also good to do a total clean sweep of your hard drive. I need to do this, but it's royal pain. Norton makes something called a Ghost Program to help with it.

I wish I could take a little class in "housekeeping" for my computer. Not everyone who owns one is a a computer whiz.

 

[Janice]

Housekeeping??????????????

I haven't housekeeped in ages, but I do have Nortons running continuously and have a system check run every night. I havent defragged in even longer, but I did clear out my Temporary Internet files the other day. Just needed to remember all my passwords afterwards, but it make a difference

 

[Dimplenose]

Backups

How much data can you afford to lose?

How often does the data on your PC change?

DH backs up once a fortnight but you might want to do it more or less often depending on how much you use your computer.

Very vague but I hope it helps.


Libby